As one of the most in-demand jobs in the United States, being a dental assistant certainly has a lot of benefits. A dental assistant helps a dentist or even dental hygienists, therapists and technicians. The assistant will help these professionals by providing effcient dental treatment to the dentist’s patients. Their main job is to prepare the patient for the treatment that is needed by sterilizing the dentist’s instruments and also holding the suction device during the procedures.
What Is Average Annual Dental Assistant Salary?
As of 2010, the average dental assistant salary is around $34,140 and this equals to about $16 per hour. However, the number can go up and down significantly as some dental assistants are making $9.15 while others can make up to $22.86. Some assistants will also get the opportunity to make a time and a half for overtime work. With several bonuses, depending on the clinic, an assistant can also receive about $100 to $2000 and the number can get higher.
With all the bonuses and overtime opportunities, the average salary that a dental assistant can expect will actually go up to about $19,000 to $47,000. However, people who work for the federal government will make about $4,000 more compared to those who work for private clinics.
Another way for a dental assistant to make more money is with specialization. This can really increase an assistant’s salary as assistants who work with a specialist dentist will make more money compared to those who work for dentists who offer regular services. For example, the assistant for an endodontist will make less money compared to the assistant of an orthodontist. The assistants that make the most money would be those that are oral surgeon assistants and periodontal assistants who can make about $19 an hour.
Are There Benefits Or Perks With Being A Dental Assistant?
The nice thing about being a dental assistant in the United States is that they are often given bonuses and benefits throughout the year. This can really add to their total compensation package and it can include retirement funds, health care and even a dental plan. Vacations are also part of the plan and this is something that really makes the profession intriguing for many.
Location
One thing that people do not know about being a dental assistant is that the location can greatly impact your salary. Before you choose a job, it is a good idea to factor in how much the average dental assistant makes in the area. A good location would be a city where the maximum salary is quite high while the cost of living is very low. This will ensure that you will be able to save money for the future and to buy things that you want. In general, the Northeastern states have the biggest salaries when it comes to dental assistant salaries and states like Alaska and New Hampshire average about $42,000 a year. However, a dental assistant in the District of Columbis averages $47,630 a year and this is one of the highest in the country.
The cost of living in Alaska however may not be the best suit for you as it is wone of the highest in America. The decision is really all about comparing the salary to the cost of living and to see which best suits your needs. Take your time with deciding on a location as this is very important for your future.
Does experience dental assistant salary?
Having a good amoung of experience might not effect your salary as much as it might in other professions. You can expect to make about a few hundred dollars every year of experience.
The number of dentists has greatly increased and so the need for dental assistants has grown. There is now a huge demand for qualified assistants and demand for dental assistants will grow 29% until 2016. If you are looking for a career that will pay a decent salary and does not require years in a top college, a dental assistant job just might be your path to a fulfilling career. Being a dental assistant is a good career and will bring in a good salary depending on the location that you choose. With just a little patience, you will surely realize that being a dental assistant is certainly a good career path.